Housing Assistance in Pennsylvania

Even though Pennsylvania has been known as an affordable state to live in, it might get challenging for some people. Single mothers for example may have financial difficulties affording their household needs. Therefore, they can benefit from several local, governmental, and state-based programs. Let’s discover which ones can be useful for you.

Section 8-Pennsylvania Housing Choice Voucher Program

Section 8 in Pennsylvania was formed by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. It is financed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The main purpose of this program is to provide rent support for low and moderate-income families. If you are eligible for this program, it not only provides rental assistance for up to 30 percent but also can negotiate with landlords regarding rent payment. This program wants to make sure that every resident lives in a decent and affordable house in Pennsylvania. To learn more, please visit http://www.pha.phila.gov/housing/housing-choice-voucher.aspx# or call 215 684 4000.

PHFA Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency is a local organization that aims to provide low-cost home ownership for people in financial need. This mortgage program has been functioning since 1983 for low-income individuals. If you are about to lose your home or facing forced evictions you can make contact with this organization and apply for this program to get an affordable mortgage payment. This program offers approximately 24-36 months of payment based on your total household income. This number can go up to $60,000.00 in total. Hence, it is better to think carefully before applying for this program. Find out more at https://www.phfa.org/counseling/hemap.aspx or contact the customer solutions center by calling 1 855 827 3466.

Bethlehem Haven of Pittsburgh, Inc.

This local organization provides housing assistance to women. It aims to reduce women’s homelessness in Pennsylvania. Bethlehem Haven Pittsburgh, Inc. has a program called Safe At Home. This program offers cash support for single mothers who need housing assistance based on their financial situation. It wants to make sure that all women with troubling financial issues have a decent and affordable house to live with their families. If you have unsolved issues with your homeowner or unexpected housing problems, Safe At Home can help you with that. To get more information https://bethlehemhaven.org/.

Pennsylvania Bridge Housing Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare created the Bridge Housing Program. This program presents transitional emergency housing for low and moderate-income families. Single moms who are about to lose their home or already have can apply for this program. If you are eligible, you can live in one of its shelters with your family for up to 18 months. Even though it is a shelter, you may have to pay a small amount of your rent depending on your financial situation. To find out more, please visit https://bridgehousing.com/what-we-do/resident-community-services/ or call 415 989 1111.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service Pennsylvania (CCCS)

CCCS is a local housing counseling agency that offers budgeting services, debt counseling, credit report examination, and an education program about spending your income wisely. These types of assistance can be useful on how to spend your money. Single mothers who have any issues regarding housing assistance can consult this agency. To learn more about CCCS, please go to the link https://www.cccspa.org/services/housing-counseling/ or by phone at 800 599 6497.

Pennsylvania Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that assists with utility assistance for low-income families in Pennsylvania. Since the winters are cold and long, LIHEAP can be very useful regarding your household expenses. If you are eligible, you can either have cash assistance for your bills or you can get one-time payments when it is urgent. These one-time payments can range from $200 to $1,000 depending on your energy type, total household revenue, and the size of the home.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must prove your financial status
• It is not critical whether you receive public assistance or not.
• You can or cannot have unpaid utility bills.
• You must be a renter or a homeowner.

To read more and apply, please follow the link https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx or dial the LIHEAP hotline 1 866 857 7095.

Pennsylvania Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

This program is supported by the federal government to increase energy efficiency in households. WAP in Pennsylvania is intended to provide energy assistance for people in need. Single moms who are struggling to pay their energy bills can get in touch with this program. You can be a homeowner or renter for eligibility. When you are eligible, you will be receiving the most cost-effective energy-saving equipment at your home. To apply please visit https://dced.pa.gov/programs/weatherization-assistance-program-wap/ or give a phone call via 1 866 466 3972.

Sister’s Place

Sister’s Place is a local community organization that was created in 1933. It serves women as its very name signifies. The mission of these organizations is to prevent women’s homelessness and be sure that women can live on their own independently. If you need permanent or temporary housing assistance you can get in touch with Sister’s Place. Find out more at https://www.sistersplace.org/ or call 412 233 3903.

Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware

The Salvation Army is one of the largest non-profit global social movements in the USA. It offers a lot of special programs in each state. Some of their services are Empower Special Adults, Provide Housing, Give a Child a Home, and Give Hope to Families. These services can be beneficial for single mothers. To learn more, please follow the link https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/eastern-pennsylvania/.

Catholic Charities

This is one of the most influential national non-profit organizations. It serves almost in each city. Catholic Charities in Pennsylvania offers assistance with utility bills, counseling, finance, pregnancy, and shelter. Single moms having hard times economically and need any of these services can consult this organization. Find out more at http://www.cchbg.org/.